Special Topics
The Buddha’s Statue
Where is the Buddha? Buddhists often say that the Buddha is in our mind, and the Buddha is everywhere. If this is the case, then why should there be images or statues of the Buddha for practitioners to worship? When Buddha Shakyamuni lived in the world, he did not approve of worshipping idols. In the earliest historical relics of Buddhism, there were no statues of the Buddha. In fact, Idols were considered unnecessary since Buddhist practices were in accord with the Buddha&rs...
Buddhist Mala
The Buddhist Mala is one of the most common tools for Buddhist practice. It is used for counting the times of Buddha’s name recitation or mantra chanting. According to Supplement to the Biographies of Eminent Monks, the Buddhist Mala has been used by Chinese Buddhists for counting recitation for over a thousand years, beginning with the Tang Dynasty. The origin of the Buddhist Mala is recorded in detail in the Scripture of the Seeds of the Soapberry. There was once a kin...
Incense and Incense Burner
“Burning incense” is considered an extraordinary and sacred offering made to the Buddha. Making this offering represents one of the rituals to show the reverence and devotion of the Buddhists. In particular, the incense extracted from plants, such as sandalwood, Chinese eaglewood, lilac, and varnish trees, has long been used in Chinese Buddhism. Incense comes in a variety of forms. The four common types of incense take the forms of powder, stick, coil, and cone. Each t...
Lit Lamp
A lit candle or lamp is one of the six common offerings people make to the Buddha, besides water, perfume, flowers, food, and burning incense. These six common material offerings symbolize the Six Paramitas. Water shows generosity; perfume represents holding the precepts; flowers show patience; food stands for concentration; the lamp represents wisdom; and, finally, burning incense symbolizes diligence. Since ancient times, flowers, burning incense, and lit lamps or candles have been the most...
Dharma Quote
How much power can a single word have? How can a few simple words move one's heart and give people unwavering courage? We often hear the word "motto". When we were young, our teachers always wanted us to set a motto as our guiding compass, hoping that it would sustain our faith when facing difficult challenges. In actuality, mottos do not necessarily contain profound moral principles. Sometimes, a simple phrase can bring positive energy to our dampened spirit and provid...
Buddhist Sutras and Scriptures
Many Buddhists recite the Heart Sutra, the Great Compassion Dharani, and the 'Chapter on the Universal Gate of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva' in the Lotus Sutra, when they encounter difficulties or feel unease. Some always carry a Buddhist scripture with them, believing it will bring them peace of mind. Scriptures record various contents from the Buddha's teaching. The benefits of reciting them also vary from sutra to sutra. In Chan Buddhism, the most popular and widespread ...